I don't know who is more excited about school being out, myself or the kids. I love the lack of schedule, being able to sleep in, and not have to make sack lunches. The teenagers love sleeping in and the boys love being able to fit in more free play time. But of course we had lots planned, especially right off the bat, so all that sleeping in and relaxing got put on hold for a bit.
We started the summer as we always do, celebrating Spencers birthday! This year he had a bunch of friends over for a campfire party. We roasted smores, played minute to win it, and ate pizza and cake. It was so simple, but probably the most fun we have had a party yet. These boys have so much fun just hanging out together.
And I can't believe this boy is 10! He is my sincere, loving,"say it like it is" kind of kid. I love the picture of him and his cousin Ryan below. He is definitely a favorite among the little guys, and I loved seeing Ryan's fun reactions with him.
The boys and I traveled to Utah shortly after school got out for my friend Erin's wedding. Dave and Maren traveled to ID that same weekend to help replace a roof for Madison, and Amanda flew to GA for a national academic team tournament. It was weird to have us in so many places, but we all had a good time. Dave and Maren worked really hard and were able to get most of the work done. Amanda's team did well, and mostly had a lot of fun together. She is in the blue hat in the middle.
It was fun to catch up with Christy at Erin's wedding, even if it was briefly. And to meet her daughter. I also enjoyed catching up with others from High School that I have not seen in many years. And it was so great to see Erin so happy and in love. That girl deserves it, she is the best and I have so many fond memories laughing until I cried with her while we were growing up.
We took advantage of being in Utah for a few days to spend time with cousins and have fun outside. We did a fun hike at the quarry trail. It was a bit crazy as there was a lot of people on the trail, and a lot of bikers. We had to make sure no one got plowed down. It made me appreciate our less busy trails around here.
The kids had fun creating rivers in Doug's garden and Jacob and Ethan were excited to discover that they could play duets together. And we had a fun lunch at Steve's new place after our hike.
It was memorial day weekend so we took some time to visit Grandpa's grave. This was a first for my boys, and I think it was memorable. They had a lot of questions about Grandpa and the other relatives whom's graves were nearby. It was nice to share with them. And only a little bitter sweet to realize that my dad didn't get a chance to know them here.
And of course we took some time to swim at Grandma's pool. My mom had taken a nasty fall just before we left for this trip when going up the step into her condo. She was still recovering from her hip surgeries, and was not a steady on her feet, and so found herself falling backwards and catching herself with her her arm. Unfortunately she broke her wrist quite badly (requiring surgery, including several pins). She was able to sit outside and enjoy watching the grand kids in the pool, but also we were able to help situate things for her at home so she could function. And the kids always enjoy her pool, so they were not complaining at all.
After reuniting at home and sending the girls off for a week at girls camp, we headed back to Utah for Megan and Heath's wedding! It was such a great time. A girls lunch out, manicures, a yummy Luau dinner, cousin time at the hotel, and of course a beautiful day at the temple for the ceremony and pictures afterwards.
They had their reception at the American West Heritage center in Wellsville. It was such a perfect place. Carriage rides from the parking lot, a fun grassy area for the kids to play on, and a nice place to visit with friends. We didn't want the night to end, so much so that we ended up being there quite late looking for lost bocce balls in the grass. The kids loved the ice cream, games on the lawn, and helping fill the bride and grooms car with balloons and confetti. The adults had fun reconnecting with friends and family and celebrating with Megan and Heath.
We were able to be there to celebrate Everett's birthday. It was the best. Everett has autism, and loved to blow out the candles over and over again. He recreated his moment so many times and each time he got even more excited. I wish those simple things gave me that much joy.
Even thought we knew a cold front and a storm was blowing in we decided to try and beat the weather for a quick hike up Jardine Juniper on Monday morning. Bad Idea! It was perfect for the hike up. Just drizzling a little, but nothing too bad, and the kids were such good hikers with their cousins. And it was beautiful! Then about when we decided it was time to turn around the rain started to really come down, and with it the temperatures. It was 20 degrees colder when we finished than when we started. Brrrrr! It took a lot of motivation to get everyone down. Poor Flash's knees were knocking, and everyone's fingers felt like ice-sickles, Nelson and Everett both cried most of the way down, and we all mostly took turns carrying them down, and helping the little ones not to slip in all the mud. We were all so happy to see the cars, and spent the afternoon having hot chocolate and playing inside.
Nothing better than cousin time!
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